World T20: India seek hat-trick of Bangladesh wins

BANGALORE: Bangladesh are one loss away from exiting the ICC World Twenty20, and hoping to beat them are India, who twice this year have gotten past them in T20Is without much difficulty, when the two teams meet at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

India got their tournament running with victory over Pakistan in Kolkata, but remain level on two points with Australia and Pakistan. New Zealand lead Super 10 Group 2 with four points and if they beat Pakistan on Tuesday they will be one step closer to the final four. Should Pakistan win, they will be level on four points with New Zealand. India have beaten Bangladesh in all four T2OIs played between the two countries, and will be confident of a fifth to take them further up the points table.

Bangladesh being depleted by the suspension of Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny meant they had to include two replacements against Australia who only landed in the country on Sunday. It is not an envious task for Mashrafe Mortaza, who admitted the handicap had left him with weaker options. Bangladesh came up a few runs short against Australia, so batting better - they could really use a strong innings from Mushfiqur Rahim - will be critical if they hope to stay alive.

Ajinkya Rahane trained on Monday for two hours alone at the ground, but that is unlikely to be an indication of any changes. Suresh Raina is out of touch, but his offspin has been very crucial for India. Raina started off India's pre-game batting session while his team-mates stretched, fielding and played football. All signs are that India will play an unchanged XI.

Shakib Al Hasan could not comment on Tamim Iqbal's fitness, so it remains to be seen what happens at the top of the order. Both he and Mortaza were repeatedly questioned - by Indian and Bangladeshi media men - about where Mahmudullah is best suited, at No 5 or 6. Both current and former captains said it was where the man himself was best suited.

"Our mindset has changed over the past few years. Playing at home and doing well, and then a good show at the World Cup has given us confidence." - Shakib Al Hasan

"I'm loving my role and responsibility. As long as the body holds up, I will look to do well." - Ashish Nehra

T20I record in 2016

India: P 13 W 11 L 2Bangladesh: P 14 W 7 L 6 NR 1

Key stats:

- Al-Amin Hossain is Bangladesh's most successful bowler against India in T20Is, taking five wickets in three games.

- Virat Kohli averages 107.50 in T20Is this year, with five fifties.

Ground conditions:

This remains a ground stacked in favour of the batsmen, but young Australian legspinner Adam Zampa's three wickets against Bangladesh on Monday were a gentle reminder that bowlers can succeed. Sri Lanka's failure to capitalise here on Sunday is another example of how not getting enough runs can be detrimental.

NEXT STORY

World T20: India seek hat-trick of Bangladesh winsDescription:Times Now